1. Introduction
“RIAS has always been more than just the initials of an American post-war
operation in divided Berlin. For many people in Berlin and in East Germany
RIAS Berlin was and still is a part of their life; a piece of their very personal biography“(Kundler 2002: preface)
This statement was made by Siegfried Buschschlüter, RIAS broadcasting director, in October 1993, a few months before RIAS’ history ended and the one of its successor, Deutschlandradio, began. RIAS, short for Rundfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor was established in Berlin by the United States Information Agency in 1946 and has played a significant role in German media history in the post-war era. Its motto “A free voice of the free world” proves the objective of the station and the position it saw itself in. The
paper at hand aims at investigating this role and will elaborate on the question why this station was so special to the people – especially to the people in East Germany and later the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Measuring the impact of RIAS on the people in East Germany and the GDR might seem impossible, since in these areas it was officially forbidden to listen to the station. Still, people did listen, since radio had the important advantage that it could be received almost everywhere while Western press
was not legally and easily available for the people in East Germany (Soldat 2008: 184).
Therefore, it is very important to note that this paper's objective is twofold: it does not only look at the perception of RIAS by its target listeners in East Germany/the GDR but also at the way how East Germany's government perceived and reacted to the station. The most important historical event bringing together those two sides is June 17th, 1953, since this day, RIAS and its reporting triggered the strongest reactions from both sides of the spectrum. This is mainly the reason why 1953 was used in this paper as a frame year to limit the focus of this paper on a particular period of time. Of course the influence of RIAS did not end with the year 1953, on the contrary. There were many events such as the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961 or Kennedy's visit to Berlin in 1963 to which RIAS and its reporting had a lot to contribute. However, these events after the revolts in 1953 will be left out in this paper.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The beginnings – from DIAS to RIAS
3. The elections of 1946 and Operation Back Talk
4. RIAS and the Berlin Blockade
5. A program for the East
6. Reactions from the East
7. RIAS and June 17th, 1953
8. Conclusion
9. Works Cited
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the historical role of the radio station RIAS (Rundfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor) in Berlin between 1946 and 1953, specifically analyzing its perception and influence among listeners in East Germany and the GDR, as well as the reactions of the East German government.
- The evolution of RIAS from its post-war inception to a central Cold War information instrument.
- The station’s impact on listeners in the Soviet zone despite official prohibitions.
- Governmental reactions, including censorship, jamming, and anti-RIAS propaganda.
- The pivotal role of RIAS during the June 17th, 1953, uprising in East Germany.
Excerpt from the Book
RIAS and June 17th, 1953
There is a lot of literature published on the issue of RIAS and the 17th of June, 1953. All scholars agree that the station played an extraordinary role in the revolts that happened that day all over the GDR. However, to what extent RIAS helped heating up the revolts and in what way the station was involved, is an issue that is widely debated in the literature. Petra Galle and Axel Schuster emphasize that neither RIAS nor the US-Americans were the reason for the uprisings on June 17, but the reform to socialism planned by the SED and the consequences for the GDR population resulting from this decision (2000: 36). Former RIAS journalist Peter Schultze remembers that in April and May of 1953, RIAS had massively criticized the SED’s plans to increase work quotas in its program Werktag der Zone (1995: 58). In its reporting, RIAS urged its listeners in East Berlin to speak up against the increase and, should it be implemented anyway, to organize strikes (cf Galle, Schuster 2000: 36). However, according to Schultze “RIAS has never played with fire” regarding that topic (1995: 58).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the significance of RIAS as a "free voice" and outlines the research objective regarding its influence in East Germany until 1953.
2. The beginnings – from DIAS to RIAS: Details the transition from the telephone-based DIAS to the medium-wave broadcaster RIAS under US administration.
3. The elections of 1946 and Operation Back Talk: Discusses the shifting role of RIAS from a neutral broadcaster to an active instrument of Cold War reporting.
4. RIAS and the Berlin Blockade: Examines how the station provided essential information to the people of Berlin during the 1948 blockade.
5. A program for the East: Analyzes the development of political programming targeted specifically at listeners in the Soviet zone.
6. Reactions from the East: Investigates the listener engagement, censorship measures, and state-sponsored anti-RIAS campaigns.
7. RIAS and June 17th, 1953: Analyzes the station’s role and reporting during the significant labor uprisings in the GDR.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes the legacy of RIAS and its historical importance as a connecting medium in a divided nation.
9. Works Cited: Lists the academic literature and primary sources used in the paper.
Keywords
RIAS, Cold War, GDR, East Germany, Propaganda, Berlin Blockade, June 17th 1953, Radio broadcasting, SED, US foreign policy, Censorship, Jamming, Objectivity, Information, Resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the role and perception of the US-run radio station RIAS in Berlin between 1946 and 1953, focusing on its impact on East German listeners.
What are the key themes addressed?
Key themes include the station's development, its reporting strategies, listener interactions, government reactions like jamming, and its involvement during the 1953 uprising.
What is the central research question?
The study investigates why RIAS was so important to its audience in East Germany and how the GDR government attempted to counter its influence.
What methodology is used?
The author uses a historical approach, analyzing literature, listener letters, and official reactions to evaluate the station’s influence during the specified period.
What does the main body cover?
It covers chronological developments from 1946, the impact of the Berlin Blockade, the creation of specific programs for the East, and the events of June 17th, 1953.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include RIAS, Cold War, GDR, propaganda, resistance, and radio broadcasting.
How did RIAS attempt to maintain credibility with its listeners?
RIAS aimed for complete and extensive reporting, striving to avoid purely propagandistic or judgmental tones to ensure it remained a trusted source of news.
What was the consequence for listeners caught engaging with RIAS?
Listeners faced severe risks, including imprisonment, and in extreme cases, individuals were executed by the GDR regime due to their contacts with the station.
Why was 1953 chosen as the frame year for this study?
1953 was chosen because the June 17th uprising triggered the most intense reactions from both the GDR government and the listeners, representing a climax in the station's early history.
What role did RIAS play during the 1948 Berlin Blockade?
RIAS served as a crucial lifeline by providing information about supplies and developments, ensuring residents remained informed despite the closure of traffic routes.
- Quote paper
- Annika Witzel (Author), 2012, “A Free Voice of the Free World” , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/207735
